TINEOLA is a creative costume design studio for one-of-a kind handcrafted accessories, fashion and statement pieces founded by Berlin based costume designer Victoria Filina. You can find a selection of her creative collection in our shop at Bikini Berlin.

One word to describe Berlin?

For me Berlin is maybe a color. Dark blue with orange/violet streaks like a summer sky after the sunset. The words can’t describe anything at all. This is why I use a visual language to express my feelings and thoughts. I could better make a piece called “Berlin”!

Beer or coconut water?If it’s the only two drinks that you can offer me then definitely beer.When i see a cocos I’m expecting to taste a fresh wind from the sea, a gentle touch of the sun on the skin, and imagine myself in a wet bikini (thanx adverts)… But in reality it hase a flavor of puke. To me coconut water taste disappointing and disgusting.

Day or Night?I prefer something between. In the morning I’m full of plans and ideas, ready to act and exited to live this new day. In the evening I feel a little sweet sadness because of parting with the passing day, which puts me in a kind of romantic mood. This two states are most delightful for me.

Music or silence to design?I need an clean, and clear environment to stay sensible for the inspiration that I receive from the space when I’m creating. Music affect a mind state, so I prefer silence. When the kids who live above my studio start running and jumping over my head, I put on some mantras. After a while the constantly repeated sound is equal to silence for the brain.

Abstract or Realistic?I’m a realist. But my reality can be abstract and obscure for some people.Reality is a plastic substance and can be changed and remolded. What looks like abstract can become realistic or the opposite when you make a step to the side and change your point of view.

Black & white or colorful?Most pieces are a poetic texts written on my language and are black & white as a book… to keep the contents readable. Color is another way of expression and communication. I will definately use it to create another worlds. But now I operate with acute signs as a surgeon would, and cut anything that is unnecessary away.

Handcraft or digital?A long time ago in Moscow I was working as a video graphic designer, making 2D animation, sitting in front of the computer for hours to bring some drawn figures to life just for a few seconds. During that time I realized that I want to touch and hold in my hands the product of my work, otherwise it disappears too fast and I have the feeling I’ve spent my life for nothing. I promised not to deal with digital art ever again. I made my choice and am very happy about it.

Best place to be creative?This place is in my head!I carry it with me everywhere, regardless of whether I want it or not! Actually, it is a challenge to find a place where the ideas about new designs are leaving me alone. I can rest my mind in nature and using every possibility to go there. When I listen to birdsong my receiver fades away for a while.

Your own favorite design?This is definitely “Captured Griffin” - a master piece. It is so beautiful and powerful. It takes a lot of work, and probably because of that, one of the strongest pieces. It is for the true queen only.

Your most tricky one?Very hard to say. I try to keep it simple but usually it doesn’t work. The higher Powers are always giving me challenging tasks. They don’t allow me to save my time and energy, so all of my works are “tricky.“

An artist we should follow?I would recommend Aoi Kotsuhiroi.

Biggest influence in your craft?Nature. The creations of nature are so perfect that I can only go on my knees, drop my head to my chest and be humble. When I take the elements made by nature like a stones or feathers, my little role is just to put them together and pretend to be a designer.

What are the 3 key values of Tineola?I can only talk about my personal values which I reflect in the project called TINEOLA.

1. Self-realization - which means for me to give as a gift what I’ve become from the universe.2. Braveness - to deal with and to take what comes. Not hiding or running away, but rather staying straight and strong. Fear is my friend and pointing to the right door. I say to my self: be brave, step in, and find your treasure.3. A positive attitude - because you need it for point 2!

How long does it take in average to make a costume?Sometimes it takes a week or more, if i have to wait till one layer getting dry to put another one, to wait again and again. Sometimes i ́m done in one hour. It’s the same as with other kinds of art. It’s like giving birth. You can’t stop or afford it. It comes when it’s mature. Actually there is no real average time. Each piece as each moment is unique. Often I have to find new techniques in order to realize some ideas. I have no ready solutions. My work is exploration.

A last word to describe your work?My work is a pure magic, with a handfull of competence.